The school beauty is aloof? Whatever, she has a younger sister.

Chapter 183 Father's Phone Call

At the end of December, the weather was cold, and Christmas fell on a Saturday.

Kaka the kitten is living a very comfortable life, and its fur is becoming softer and smoother, gradually showing the gorgeous appearance unique to Ragdoll cats.

Zhang Muchen's high school life continued as usual. The system task, however, was stuck on the "Xu Ranxi returns to China" stage, unable to proceed to the next step.

During this time, Zhang Muchen maintained contact with Xu Ranxi. Xu Ranxi seemed to be considering returning to China and accelerated communication with the shelter where Ailiya was located.

She has already sent several cats there. However, because there are so many cats, the procedures are a bit complicated.

However, everything is progressing.

"Hmm... I should be back around New Year's Day," Zhang Muchen thought to himself.

Schools in the United States are currently on holiday, and Xu Ranxi's courses have ended. She is expected to return to China around the end of the month.

"Let nature take its course, there's no use in rushing it." Zhang Muchen sighed softly and got out of bed.

A wonderful weekend starts when Mom doesn't wake you up!
Zhang Muchen went to the bathroom to wash up, got dressed, and then picked up his violin case to go out.

Today, he and a few girls had arranged to go to Wang Shishi's house to rehearse their performance.

The New Year's Eve party officially starts next Friday. Although I felt that we could be more in sync during the several rehearsals at school, I decided to go to Wang Shishi's house for one more rehearsal.

Zhang Muchen changed his shoes and prepared to leave. His mother, who was in the living room, looked up at him and asked, "Where are you going?"

Zhang Muchen, carrying his violin case, replied, "Going to rehearsal to prepare for the New Year's Eve gala."

After saying that, he turned to look at his mother and asked earnestly, "Mom, can you come to school to see my performance at the New Year's Eve party?"

Before Mei Yinglan could speak, the bedroom door next to her was pushed open, and Zhang Beifang walked out with a smile: "Of course I can go. My son is going to be on stage, so I have to ask your mother for leave to go!"

Zhang Muchen grinned: "Hehe, I'm going to show off a bit. I've got three out of the four pop songs in this competition."

"Good job, son. You're worthy of being Zhang Beifang's son."

"I'm leaving now, Mom and Dad. I won't be back for dinner tonight." Zhang Muchen waved his hand.

Mei Yinglan glanced at her with concern: "It's windy outside, be careful while riding your bike."

"Okay, Mom." Zhang Muchen pushed open the door.

Just as I stepped out the door, the door opposite me clicked open.

Xu Qing, wearing a white down jacket and a matching scarf, walked out carrying a bag of trash.

"Where are we going?" Xu Qing asked with a smile.

"I'll be performing on stage, singing and playing an instrument, at the New Year's Eve party rehearsals." After saying that, Zhang Muchen suddenly remembered something, "By the way, Auntie, would you be interested in coming to our school to see the party?"

"Yes, Mu Chen is going to sing on stage, of course I want to go and see."

"Hehe, then it depends on whether Auntie's time is convenient. The party is next Friday, at 6:30 pm."

Xu Qing nodded gently: "Of course it's convenient."

"Then Auntie can go with my parents, and I'll register you."

As he spoke, he reached out his left hand and naturally took the trash bag from her hand: "Auntie, please don't go downstairs. It's windy outside. I'll throw it away for you."

Xu Qing paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded: "Thank you, Mu Chen."

"Let's go, Auntie," Zhang Muchen said as she carried the trash downstairs.

Xu Qing stood there, watching him gradually disappear around the corner of the stairwell. Then she turned and went back into her house, but as she closed the door, she saw Zhang Muchen's door.

"Yinglan and Beifang should both be home... Let's go in, have a chat."

She smiled, walked across the hall, and rang the doorbell.

Shouhong Villa.

As soon as the door opened, Wang Shishi poked her head out with a smile: "Dude, you're here!"

She warmly welcomed Zhang Muchen into the house.

He took off his coat and hung it in the entryway, his gaze falling on the Chu Jiuli sisters, who were holding playing cards on the sofa.

"Hey, you're all here!" Zhang Muchen greeted them with a smile.

Chu Jiuli nodded slightly, while Xiaoyouzi gave him a sweet glance before lowering her eyes. "Are you playing cards?"

"Yes, I'm teaching Jiuli and Youting how to play Dou Dizhu (a popular Chinese card game)." Wang Shishi waved the cards in her hand.

Zhang Muchen turned his gaze back to Chu Jiuli, his eyes showing some surprise.

I never expected that my deskmate, who only loves studying, would sit down and learn card games.

"It seems like his personality is slowly changing," Zhang Muchen thought to himself.

"How about the four of us play together?" he said.

“But what can we play with four people? Three people play Dou Dizhu, five people play Baohuang, and six people play Gouji.” Wang Shishi scratched her head.

"I'll teach you how to play Texas Hold'em."

As Zhang Muchen spoke, he reached out and collected all the playing cards from the group's hands. He then skillfully shuffled the cards and removed the Jokers, placing them aside.

Chu Jiuli and Chu Youting exchanged a glance, clearly having never heard of the game "Golden Flower".

Little Yuzu asked in a low voice, "How do you play... how do you play Texas Hold'em?"

Wang Shishi had seen others play it before, and tilted her head to think for a moment: "I think it's three cards per person, and you compare suits?"

Zhang Muchen nodded: "Pretty much. I'll demonstrate it in a bit. I guarantee you'll learn it."

Wang Shishi stood up with a grin: "I'm going to get some Rio. The loser drinks!"

After saying that, she jogged to the storage room.

Chu Jiuli watched Wang Shishi's departing figure, then turned to look at Zhang Muchen, who was handing out cards with his head down: "We're here to rehearse today."

"No rush, relax first, we can practice later."

Chu Jiuli hesitated for a moment, but ultimately said nothing more, silently accepting the card with her head bowed.

The air felt a little lighter for a moment.

"By the way, I invited my parents to the New Year's Eve gala next Friday. Did you invite your parents too?"

As soon as Zhang Muchen spoke, Chu Jiuli and Chu Youting both paused. His heart skipped a beat, and he immediately realized that he had said the wrong thing, inwardly cursing himself for being so talkative.

How could you forget that the sisters' father works away from home?

The atmosphere inside the room suddenly became quiet.

Zhang Muchen coughed twice, trying to change the subject. Unexpectedly, Chu Youting looked up and said softly, "My family... they're all very busy and can't come. Sister Jiuli is probably in the same boat."

Chu Jiuli listened to her sister's words without saying a word, but simply nodded slightly.

Zhang Muchen's eyes lit up, and he glanced at Xiaoyouzi a few more times.

Wow, little pomelo, you actually saved the day!

He secretly praised her in his heart and quickly followed up on Chu Youting's words: "Well, it's normal to be busy at home. The program is recorded. I'll ask Director Wang for a copy after the New Year's Eve gala and send it to you then."

"Come on, let's continue. Now I'll teach you how to play Texas Hold'em." He cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood.

Just as he was laying out his cards to explain, Chu Jiuli's phone suddenly rang.

She glanced down, her previously calm expression faltering slightly.

"I'll take a call."

After saying that, Chu Jiuli stood up and walked quickly to the entrance, picking up her coat as she opened the door and went out.

Zhang Muchen watched her retreating figure with curiosity, then turned to Chu Youting and asked, "Who called? Why are you being so secretive?"

"I don't know..." Little Yuzu shook her head.

outside the house.

A cool breeze blew in from the corridor as Chu Jiuli stood in the stairwell and answered the phone.

"Dad? Why are you calling me at this hour?"

(End of this chapter)